In 1881, Julius August Kalmar founded Kalmar, a Viennese company that produced handcrafted objects of cast bronze. Kalmar developed a fine reputation and exhibited internationally often, but it was Kalmar’s son, Julius Theodor Kalmar, who took over in 1913 and made the company shine with its modernist lighting.
Having studied at the Birmingham School of Art and Design and under the Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, Julius was deeply inspired by the shift to modernity taking place in Europe and sought to work with the leading architects and designers of his time, including Austrian Werkbund architects Josef Frank and Oskar Wlach as well as Ernst Plischke, Clemens Holzmeister and Oswald Haerdtl. Similar to the Wiener Werkstätte cooperative cofounded by Hoffmann that prized materials, form and function, Kalmar viewed his company’s lighting fixtures as “quite humble things” meant to “fit in and serve their purpose of functionally illuminating spaces without glare.”
In 1925, Kalmar began selling in Haus und Garten, the forward-looking decor shop founded by Frank and Wlach. By 1931, a close partnership with the Austrian Werkbund association of architects, artists and craftsmen allowed the company to realize its vision of early 20th-century modernity — a distinctly Viennese pairing of traditional workmanship with contemporary technology. These collaborations included chandeliers and other fixtures using traditional materials such as glass, bronze and brass while focusing on function over ornamentation. As the company grew, so too did the scope of its projects, and soon Kalmar was installing extravagant chandeliers for the Vienna Opera, the Burgtheater, Vienna stock exchange and other sites.
Under the guidance of Rudolf Calice, Julius Theodor Kalmar’s son-in-law, the 1960s saw Kalmar’s popularity grow, thanks in part to the success of more decorative pieces like the ice-glass fixtures created with Austrian sculptor Karl Gruber. Thomas Calice, the great-grandson of Kalmar’s founder, led the company in the 1990s and its expansion to international lighting projects while shifting away from serial production. In 2009, Thomas’s son August Chalice established Kalmar Werkstätten to produce fixtures that reference the Kalmar archives but also feature updates on the iconic designs. Kalmar continues to produce bespoke fixtures while also working on custom lighting projects around the world, from cruise ships to the Burj Khalifa.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Kalmar lighting that includes wall lights, floor lamps and other fixtures.
1 of 2 Stunning Brass Murano Glass Light Fixture Palazzo, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A wonderful gilt brass light fixture comprises crystal Murano glass pieces on a gilded brass frame. Its made by Kalmar (Serie: Palazzo), Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. It n...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Large Kalmar Sconces Wall Lights, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with ice glass, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1960-1969. High quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired and rea...
Murano Glass
Mid Century Massive Textured Glass Flush Mount or Wall Light by Kalmar, 60s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Lucija, SI
High quality Mid Century flush mount Lamp, with massive textured glass, was made by Kalmar Austria in '60s. The lamp can be used as a ceiling or as a wall lamp. Very special piece....
Aluminum
Stunning Murano Pendant Light Designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Carlo Nason
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful floral pendant light with four hand-made clear and smoked Murano glass petals which are supported by a metal frame, designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, in the 1970s Heavy ...
Murano Glass
$5,967Sale Price / set|25% Off
Unique Austrian Set of Six Murano Smoke "Citrus" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Unique, beauty and stunning Set of Six Austrian MidcCentury smoke Murano Glass Wall Sconces, model "Citrus" 4663. These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Aus...
Metal, Brass
J.T. Kalmar Yellow Table Desk Side Lamp, Brass & Iron, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist Midcentury desk, table, or side lamp from the 1950s. Designed by Julius Theodor Kalmar and manufactured by J.T. Kalmar Vienna, Austria. This lamp is a version o...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Wall Lights Sconces, Bubble Glass Brass, 1970, 2 Pairs
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Venini, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of 'Tulipan' glass wall light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two pairs are available. The name Tulipa...
Brass, Metal
Austrian Vintage Blown Glass Ceiling Light Pendant or Flush Mount, 1960s
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful midcentury handblown textured Murano glass pendant or flush mount by JT Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: One E27 (US E26). Height (Body): 9.85 in.
Metal
Austrian Midcentury "Sierra" Ice-Glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Beautiful Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" Wall Sconces, model "Sierra". These fixtures were designed and manfactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar Frnaken. Each Wall Sconce is c...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Kalmar Ice Glass Wall Sconces, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of ice glass Kalmar wall sconces. Each one is composed by two pieces of ice glass blocks placed on a metal base. This pair of sconces is in excellent condition and they have be...
Steel, Metal
J. T. Kalmar Mid-Century Frosted Glass Chandelier, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist chandelier, designed and executed by J.T. Kalmar Vienna. White painted metal frame with nickel-plated hardware and big textured glass panels...
Crystal, Brass
Kalmar Tulipan Chandelier Pendant Light, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s, 1 of 2
By J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Venini, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic light fixture model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are available....
Metal
Austrian Midcentury Murano Glass "Catena" Chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Marvelous, stunning and large Austrian midcentury Chandelier from 1970s, model "Catena". This chandelier was made during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. This fixture is composed by 3...
Metal
Original murano glass chandelier by J. Kalmar, Austria 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing original vintage Kalmar chandelier with thick textured glass pendants — each one resembles elongated icicles. Handmade glass, metal mount with natural patina. Austria, the 19...
Murano Glass
Kalmar 'Tulipan' Glass Flush Mount Light Chandelier, 1970s, One of Three
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixture by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Three lights are availa...
Metal, Brass
Set of 2 Murano Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Mazzega, Italy, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful Set of two stunning midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Murano glass pieces, made by Mazzega, Italy , manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Fantastic design and very high-qua...
Brass
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Wien, Au
Kalmar Floor lamp with fabric shade vienna around 1950s Polished and stove enameled The fabric shade is replaced ( new )
Brass
Kalmar Brass Floor Lamp 'Cavador' No. 2098, Height Adjustable, 1960, 1 of 2
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from...
Brass
Pair Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970s
By Venini, Barovier, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulipan...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Teak Dornstab Table Lamp by A. Pöll for Kalmar, Vienna, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
A very rare Kalmar Dornstab table lamp. An early design classic that derives its elegance from the functionality of its design. Its distinctive feature lies in the arrangement of t...
Metal
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Flushmount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of 12 thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white frame. Heavy q...
Metal
1 of 5 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very...
Murano Glass
1 of the 6 Brass and Opal Clear Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of high-end wall sconces made of blown opal and clear glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a...
Brass
$2,230Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 of 2 Pairs of Stunning Large Kalmar Murano Sconce Wall Light, Florida, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful pair of midcentury wall sconces with six Murano glass pieces on a gilt brass frame, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured circa 1960-1969. Each sconce needs three E14 small...
Brass
XL 1970s Tulip Murano Glass Pendant Lamp by Carlo Nason for Mazzega
By Carlo Nason, Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern 1970s Italian Murano Glass floral pendant light. This pendant lamp was design by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Franken lighting Austria, and handmade by renowned Murano g...
Murano Glass
1 of 3 Large Murano Ice Glass Chandelier by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Stunning Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s Two tiers structure gathering 18 structured glasses, beautifully refracting the light very heavy quality. High quality and in very g...
Murano Glass
1 of the 6 Large Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 2 pairs unique large and elegant 'Tulipan' glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or-early 1970s). Tulip shap...
Glass
Huge Palmette Murano Flush Mount Light, Italy, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Fantastic Mid-Century flush mount ceiling light, made in Italy, circa 1970s. This striking piece features an elegant arrangement of clear Murano glass leaves, complemented by refined...
Metal
Pair of Kalmar 'Tulipan' Flush Mount Lights Chandeliers, Glass Brass Metal, 1970
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting, Mazzega, Fontana Arte, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A pair of large and fantastic "Tulipan" flush mount light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The name Tulip...
Metal, Brass
1 of 2 Kalmar Tulipan Chandeliers Pendant Lights, Glass Nickel White Metal, 1970
By Mazzega, Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar, Barovier, Venini
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two large and fantastic light fixtures model Tulipan 73 HL by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Two lights are ...
Metal
$414Sale Price|40% Off
One Kalmar Midcentury Brass & Textured Glass Scone Wall Light, Austria, 1950s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Vienna, AT
A single beautiful brass wall light with a lampshade made of solid textured melting ice glass with nice knobs. Manufactured by J. T. Kalmar Vienna in the 1950s. In very good conditio...
Brass
1 of the 2 Large Kalmar Chandeliers Citrus Swirl Smoked Glass, Austria, 1969
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
high quality murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1960s smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light gold dish amber colored stripe in it. Kalmar was the mo...
Brass
1 of 8 Large Glass Wall Light by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful mid-century wall sconce with a large Murano glass piece, designed by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Each sconce requires two E14 small bulbs. Light bulbs ...
Murano Glass
Pair of Amber Glass Tulipan Wall Lamps or Sconces by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
Pair of unique elegant 'Tulipan' amber glass wall sconces by J.T. Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). With tulip shaped hand blo...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Stunning Large Kalmar Sconces Tronchi Wall Lights Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning pair of mid-century wall sconces featuring seven large Murano glass pieces in each lamp, crafted by Kalmar, Austria, and manufactured between 1970-1979. This is a very ra...
Metal, Brass
One of Three Ice Glass Pendant Lights from J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the three ice glass pendant lights designed by J.T Kalmar, manufactured by Kalmar Franken, Austria in the 1960s. Stunning design, each pendant has four large squares of white,...
Brass, Steel
$1,103 / item
Large Murano Pendant Lights by Kalmar, circa 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
1 of 6 Large Murano pendant lights designed by Kalmar, circa 1960s Heavy quality and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to us...
Brass
Vintage Metal and Glass Ceiling Lamp from Kalmar, 1980s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hamburg, DE
Glass ceiling lights from the renowned manufacturer Kalmar. A simple design with a postmodern touch. The lamp body is formed by a flat shell made of opal glass. This is located in a...
Metal
Murano Smoked Glass Pendant Light Citrus by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Murano glass chandelier by Kalmar, 1970s. Smoked swirl ice glass, clear twisted crystal glass panels with a light goldish amber-colored stripe in it. High quality and in very good c...
Murano Glass
1 of 7 Glass Sconces Wall Lights by Carlo Nason for Kalmar Ficus, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
Wonderful midcentury wall sconces with handcrafted Smoked glass pieces on a brass base, made by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured, circa 1970-1979. Designed by Carlo Nason Model: Ficus ...
Crystal, Brass
One of Two Height Adjustable Kalmar Brass Floor Lamps 'Cavador' No. 2098, 1960
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Two very rare and gorgeous brass floor lamps model 'Cavador' no. 2098 by J.T. Kalmar, manufactured in midcentury in 1960s. The light is documented in the Kalmar catalogue from 1960. ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier 'Soria' by Kalmar, Ice Glass Nickel, 1970, 1 of 3
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of three extra large light fixtures model 'SORIA' by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s-early 1970s). Th...
Metal, Chrome, Nickel
One of Two Kalmar Flush Mount Lights, Ice Glass, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
One of two nice ice glass flush mount light fixtures by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in Mid-Century, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). Each light takes one medium screw base bulb. The price is per lamp. They aresold individually or as pair. Matching sconces, pendant lights and chandeliers...
Metal
Large Murano Glass Sconces, CEO, designed by Carlo Nason, Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A rare and exceptional pair of wall lights, model CEO, by Kalmar, Austria, crafted in the midcentury period (1970s). Designed by Carlo Nason. These striking lights feature interlock...
Metal
$1,263Sale Price|25% Off
Murano Glass Pendant Light Chome Designed, Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Catena, Austr
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning chrome pendant light with Murano glass elements designed by Carlo Nason for Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in 1960s. (Series: Catena) The pendant is composed of 18 thick M...
Brass
Pair Of Brass and Hand Blown Murano Glass Wall Lights by J.T. Kalmar, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Rijssen, NL
High-end wall sconces made of blown clear and opal Murano glass on a brass hardware. Designed and produced by J.T. Kalmar, Austria in the 1960s. Minimalistic design executed with a t...
Brass
Large Austrian Vintage Textured Ice Glass Wall Ceiling Light Flush Mount 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful square textured Murano glass flush mount for wall or ceiling by J.T. Kalmar for Franken KG. Austria, 1960s. Lamp sockets: Four x E27 (US E26).
Metal
Set of Three Kalmar Chandeliers Pendant Lights Palazzo, Gilt Brass Glass, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting, Fontana Arte, Venini, J.T. Kalmar, Orrefors
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of three very exquisite 24-carat gold-plated brass and clear brilliant glass pendant light fixtures by J.T. Kalmar, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (lat...
Crystal, Brass
1 of the 6 Large Kalmar Granada Chrome Glass Flush Mounts, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 6 flush lights with Brutalist ice glass on a chrome frame, circa 1970s, by J.T. Kalmar. Cruciform design flush mount light with structured glass shade and a central brass sq...
Chrome
Murano Glass Pendant Light Designed by Kalmar, Austria, 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano Clear/ colored glass Pendant light is attached to a metal chrome frame. designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1970s. High quality and in very goo...
Chrome
Mid-Century Pendant by Kalmar Vienna. Austria, 1950's.
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant Austrian pendant, crafted by Kalmar Vienna in the late 1950s, boasts a nickel-plated metal frame supporting exquisite textured ice glass in a sophisticated Chevron patte...
Nickel
Huge Square Flush Mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Nickel and Glass, circa 1970s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Wiesbaden, Hessen
A large mid - cenutry modern fifteen-light pyramidal flush mount "Pagoda" by Kalmar, Austria, Vienna, circa 1970s. The light fixture is made of ni...
Metal, Brass, Nickel
LARGE JT Kalmar, Austria, Murano Glass Iced Blocks, Chandelier, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful large chandelier with massive ice glasses made by Kalmar, Germany, three tiers structure glasses, beautifully refracting the light, very high quality in very good condit...
Metal, Nickel
Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kaiser, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano smoked glass chandelier designed by Kaiser, Germany manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 2 thick Murano glass elements attached to a brass...
Brass
XL frosted wall light by Kalmar, Murano glass, Austria, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Beautiful and large frosted wall light designed and produced by kalmar in austria in the 1970s. Square frosted murano glass supported by a gilded brass structure. This wall light wil...
Murano Glass
Carlo Nason Pair of Kalmar Mid-Century Murano Glass Wall Lights or Sconces 1970s
By Carlo Nason, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare vintage midcentury pair of polished steel, white and clear Murano glass wall lamps, lights or sconces by Murano glass Italian designer Carlo Nason for the famous Austrian lighti...
Metal
1 of 2 Large Murano Glass Chandelier Designed by Kalmar, Germany, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning large Murano white glass chandelier designed by Kalmar, Austria manufactured in the 1960s. The chandelier is composed of 4 thick Murano glass elements attached to a metal ...
Murano Glass
Pair of Midcentury Austrian Ice-Glass "Puck" Wall Sconces by Kalmar, 1970s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Badajoz, Badajoz
Stunning Austrian midcentury "Kalmar" wall sconces, model "Puck". These sconces were designed and manufactured during the 1970s in Austria by Kalmar. Each wall sconce is composed by ...
Metal
Large organic Hollywood Regency Ice Glass Wall Light Made by Kalmar Lights, 1970
By Kalmar Lighting, J.T. Kalmar
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Wall light Producer: Kalmar Franken KG, Austria Design: J.T. Kalmar Age: 1960s Original modernist large Hollywood regency glass wall light. High quality 1970s f...
Metal
1 of 2 Huge Murano Glass Flush Mount by Kalmar, Austria, 1960s
By Kalmar Lighting
Located in Aachen, NRW
A stunning huge flush mount by Kalmar, Austria, manufactured in the 1960s. The flush mount is composed of a nine thick textured Murano glass elements attached to a white metal frame...
Metal